Pfaff reminds Hoosiers to renew Medicaid as thousands kicked off for procedural reasons

Federal protections for Medicaid ended in April, and July marks the fourth month of eligibility redeterminations. Before the COVID-19 public health emergency, members had to renew their coverage eligibility annually. With the redetermination process resumed, thousands have lost their coverage due to procedural reasons, like not updating or completing paperwork. At the end of April, 53,000 Hoosiers were disenrolled, and the number has worsened with another 53,600 dropped in May. 

Previously, the state estimated that 400,000 Hoosiers would lose coverage, but recent rates could put that number around 600,000. During the 2022 session, State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) co-authored House Bill 1140 that expanded Medicaid coverage for pregnant women postpartum. Pfaff remains dedicated to ensuring Indiana residents get, and maintain, their healthcare coverage. 

“With nearly a third of Indiana’s population enrolled in Medicaid, I want to make enrollees aware of the changes in procedure,” Pfaff said. “Many people haven’t heard of the end of federal protections or are unfamiliar with the eligibility renewal process. I’m especially concerned since a Family and Social Services Administration (FFSA) report showed that out of the initial 52,000 who lost coverage, 88% of those people were unenrolled for procedural reasons – not because they’re ineligible. 

“Hoosiers need to watch their mailboxes since the FSSA has started mailing notices about eligibility. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, HIP, CHIP, Hoosier Healthwise or Hoosier Care Connect you should check your status. The state will be doing an eligibility review each month until March 2024. Please do not wait to renew your coverage since it's essential to the health, safety and comfortability of individuals and family.”

What people can do if they’ve lost their Medicaid coverage: 

For those who have already been disenrolled from Medicaid, there is a 90 day period to resubmit your paperwork. If you’re past 90 days, you will have to reapply for coverage. If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, visit the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov for additional coverage options. In addition, some children may remain eligible even if their parents no longer qualify. Some may also qualify for retroactive coverage, but those under the Healthy Indiana Plan cannot receive retroactive coverage. To review your eligibility, contact your local Division of Family Resources, call the FSSA at 800-403-0864 or visit fssabenefits.in.gov. A list of FAQs about Medicaid enrollment is available here.